Suzuki Liana Review (2001 to date)

Quick Summary

The number of people who would place the Suzuki Liana at the top of their used car shortlist are extremely few and far between. Where it shines is in offering many of the attributes of a new car for the price of some quite dog-eared rival machinery. It'll never offer the handling thrills of a Focus or the elegance of a Peugeot 307 but its blend of reliability, solid design and affordability mean that it could well be worth a look.

Overall:

Models Covered:(4 dr saloon / 5 dr hatch [GL, GLX, SE])

I’M DOING VINE NOW

Although Suzuki claim Liana stands for Life In A New Age, most of us would identify it as the jungle vine that saves Tarzan the Ape Man a fortune in One Day Travelcards. Although the Liana has proved to be a perfectly competent offering in the family hatch and compact saloon sector, the difference between making up the numbers and being at the forefront of this segment is huge. Although new sales may represent something of a slippery vine for the Liana, as a used prospect it makes a good deal of sense. Inexpensive and metronomically reliable, the Liana isn't the sort of car that turns heads, but it's a good deal more capable than many would give it credit for.
Used Suzuki Liana for sale

History of the Liana

Although replacing the Swift and Baleno ranges was hardly the tallest of orders, one suspects that there's a good deal more to Suzuki's plans for the Liana range than we're currently privy to. Rumours of a turbocharged sports model have circulated for some time but have yet to see the light of day. As it stands, four models are available, a five-door hatch and a four door saloons in either GL or GLX trim. The hatch models were introduced in June 2001 with the four-door saloons following in September 2002. All models are powered by the same 101bhp 1.6-litre engine.In early 2004 a facelift brought a restyled interior majoring on the sliver metallic trim along with changes to the outside. Spot these cars by the 2-bar grille, the squared fog lights and the 'S' Suzuki badges. The saloon was deleted in 2006.
Used Suzuki Liana for sale

Suzuki Liana Road Test

A combined fuel economy figure that nudges 40mpg is class competitive, with a Focus 1.6 returning 40.9mpg, an Astra 1.6 capable of an identical 39.8mpg and a Peugeot 307 1.6 falling only slightly shy at 39.2mpg. Likewise performance seems to be right on the money, the Liana reaching 60mph in 10.8 seconds before running out of ideas at 106mph, which when compared to the rivals looks good; the Ford managing 10.9s/115mph, the Vauxhall 13.5s/106mph and the Peugeot 11s/118mph. Traffic light pole position to the Liana then.
Used Suzuki Liana for sale

Buying a Suzuki Liana

Not a great deal goes wrong with the Liana. As with any car that's going to be used extensively in the city, check for parking knocks and scrapes and look at the front tyres for signs of uneven wear. Otherwise check for a fully stamped up service history.
Used Suzuki Liana for sale

Suzuki Liana Typical Pricing

Given that new prices are extremely reasonable, a used Liana probably isn't going to cause grievous damage to your liquidity. Expect to pay £3,700 for a 2001 51 plated Liana GL five-door and another £200 for the GLX. The four-door saloons came later to the market so they are available around the £3,800 mark. Like most Suzukis, the Liana attracts a favourable insurance rating, the cars being rated in either Group 6 or Group 7.
Used Suzuki Liana for sale

Suzuki Liana Parts

(approx based on a 2001 Liana 1.6GL). Spares aren't the nightmare that many expect Japanese parts to be. A clutch assembly retails at around £180, whilst front brake pads are around £40 a pair with rear shoes approximately £30. A new starter motor will cost around £220, and a new radiator is £300. The one item that is costly is the alternator, yours for nearly £500.
Used Suzuki Liana for sale